Iran Protest: Nearly 250,000 people gathered in Munich, Germany, on Saturday to protest against Iran’s government, police said. The massive rally took place alongside a major meeting of world leaders in the city. The protest followed a call by Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince, who urged stronger international pressure on Tehran.
Police said the turnout was far higher than organizers had expected, calling it one of the largest demonstrations in the city in recent years.
‘Global Day of Action’ for Iranians
The Munich rally was part of what Pahlavi described as a “global day of action” to support Iranians after deadly protests erupted across the country last month. He had also called for similar demonstrations in Los Angeles and Toronto.
Protesters banged drums, clashed cymbals, and repeatedly chanted “Change, change, regime change”, demanding the removal of Iran’s current leadership.
Flags, Chants, and Calls for Regime Change
The crowd waved green, white, and red flags featuring the lion and sun emblem. Iran used this flag before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ended the Pahlavi monarchy.
Many protesters shouted “Pahlavi for Iran” and “democracy for Iran”, as the rally continued for hours in a loud and emotional atmosphere.
Pahlavi Warns Democracies Against Inaction
Speaking at a news conference, Pahlavi warned that more lives could be lost in Iran if democratic nations fail to act after last month’s violent crackdown. “We gather at an hour of profound peril to ask: Will the world stand with the people of Iran?”
He added that allowing Iran’s rulers to stay in power sends a dangerous signal globally. “The survival of Iran’s government sends a clear signal to every bully: kill enough people and you stay in power.”
Massive Marches Held in Canada and Elsewhere
In Canada, police estimated that about 350,000 people marched in Toronto as part of the Global Day of Action, according to a Toronto Police spokesperson.
Smaller demonstrations were also reported in other countries. Around 500 protesters gathered outside the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, holding banners opposing Iran’s government and expressing support for Pahlavi.
‘Make Iran Great Again’ Caps Draw Attention
At the Munich rally, many protesters wore red caps reading “Make Iran Great Again,” inspired by the slogan popular among supporters of Donald Trump.
Among those seen wearing the caps was Lindsey Graham, who addressed the crowd and was photographed holding the headwear during his speech.
Protesters Speak for Silenced Voices Inside Iran
Many demonstrators said they were speaking on behalf of people inside Iran who cannot protest freely. Daniyal Mohtashamian, who traveled from Zurich to attend the rally, said hopes for change remain strong. “We have huge hopes and (are) looking forward that the regime is going to change hopefully.”
He highlighted communication restrictions inside Iran.“There is an internet blackout, and their voices are not going outside of Iran.”
Conflicting Death Toll Figures From Protests
The Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the U.S., reported that at least 7,005 people were killed during last month’s unrest, including 214 government forces. The group relies on activists inside Iran and has previously been accurate in similar situations.
Iran’s government released its own figure on January 21, claiming 3,117 people were killed. In past cases, Iran’s authorities have been accused of underreporting deaths.
Growing International Pressure on Iran
Iran’s leaders are facing renewed pressure from Donald Trump, who has warned of possible U.S. military action if Tehran does not further limit its nuclear programme. On Friday, Trump said that regime change in Iran “would be the best thing that could happen.”
Iran was already the focus of protests in Munich a day earlier, when demonstrators gathered during the opening of an annual security conference. Supporters of the opposition group People’s Mujahedeen Organization of Iran, also known as the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, also staged rallies.
